Tehran – Iran has formally protested new sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) by summoning the Hungarian ambassador to Tehran. 

Giola Peto, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU Council, was summoned to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. Officials conveyed Iran's strong objection to the EU's October 14th decision to sanction Iranian individuals and entities.

The Ministry declared the EU's use of sanctions as an illegal and unacceptable tactic, emphasizing that such measures would prove ineffective. Officials stressed that Iran's defense cooperation with other nations is entirely legal and necessary for safeguarding its interests and security. 

The EU announced the sanctions on Monday, targeting three Iranian airlines, four companies, and seven individuals for their alleged role in supplying Iranian-made missiles and drones to Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine. Iran has repeatedly denied involvement in the Ukraine war, asking the West and Kyiv to provide evidence for their claims. No evidence has yet been put forth.